Peptides and Proteins in the Vapor Phase

Abstract

This article provides a review of recent studies of the properties of unsolvated (and partially solvated) peptides and proteins. The methods used to produce vapor-phase peptide and protein ions are described along with some of the techniques used to study them, such as H/D exchange, blackbody infrared radiative dissociation, and ion mobility measurements. Studies of unsolvated peptides and proteins provide information about their intrinsic intramolecular interactions. The topics covered include the role of zwitterions and salt bridges in the vapor phase, Coulomb interactions in multiply charged ions, the unfolding and refolding of vapor-phase proteins, and the stability of unsolvated helices and sheets. Finally, dehydration and rehydration studies of proteins in the vapor phase are described. These can provide exquisitely detailed information about hydration interactions, such as the enthalpy and entropy changes associated with adsorbing individual water molecules.